Why Does Brake Failure Occur When Brakes Overheat?
2 Answers
The reason is that during braking, the brake pads generate heat through friction with the tires, converting mechanical energy into internal energy, which increases internal energy through work. Specific details are as follows: 1. Reducing Brake Pad Temperature: When water is sprayed onto the brake pads, it absorbs heat, causing the temperature to rise and turn into steam. This utilizes the heat absorption of water's vaporization process to lower the temperature of the brake pads. Brake pads are also known as brake linings. 2. Brake Pads: In a car's braking system, brake pads are the most critical safety components. The effectiveness of all braking depends decisively on the brake pads, making high-quality brake pads the guardian of both people and cars.
Why does the brake fail when it overheats? Let me tell you, it's mainly because of excessive heat buildup. For example, when you brake hard during a long downhill drive, the temperature of the brake pads and discs skyrockets. While their friction is meant to slow the car down, once they get too hot, the surface material becomes smoother, drastically reducing friction—just like how your hands slip when you rub something too fast and it gets hot. Even worse is the brake fluid. This liquid is prone to boiling and forming bubbles when heated. When air bubbles enter the hydraulic system, compressing the air when you press the brake pedal doesn't generate pressure, making the pedal feel soft and ineffective, so the car won't stop. Additionally, prolonged high temperatures can warp or even burn out components. To prevent this, I always remind myself to use engine braking—like downshifting to let the engine slow the car—instead of relying solely on the brakes. Also, regularly checking the brake fluid's boiling point and replacing worn brake pads can reduce risks. After all, safety is no small matter.
